Betting has a long and varied history in West Virginia. The state has a strong tradition of horse racing and pari-mutuel betting, which dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1930s, the state authorized the creation of the West Virginia Racing Commission, which oversaw the regulation of horse racing and betting. In 1984, West Virginia became the first state in the US to legalize limited forms of casino gambling, allowing for the operation of electronic gaming machines at racetracks. This move paved the way for the development of the state’s modern casino industry, which now includes several full-service casinos offering a range of gaming options. In 2018, West Virginia became one of the first states to legalize sports betting following a US Supreme Court decision overturning a federal ban on the activity. The state now has a number of sportsbooks operating both in-person and online, and betting on a variety of professional and collegiate sports is legal. Overall, betting has played an important role in West Virginia’s history and continues to be a significant part of the state’s economy and culture.